Versione italiana

Bo-BOT PROJECT

The University of Padua offers a new service of inclusive guided tours with robotic support.

Even staying in one's own home, or classroom, or connected by smartphone or PC anywhere in the world, it is possible to participate in a guided tour and interact with the guide thanks to a robot.

For years, the University of Padua has invested in creating inclusive and accessible contexts, in a idea of equality and respect for differences. The motto of the University of Padua 'Universa Universis Patavina Libertas' indicates its pluralistic character and independence from conditioning and discrimination. From this perspective, robotic telepresence brings a twofold benefit:

• it enables everyone to access services that are temporarily unavailable due to restrictions;
• it enables people even with acute disabilities to enjoy these services at a distance in an inclusive way.

The technology allows the “virtual” visitor to experience a guided tour of the environment, and to follow the whole route remotely using a robot, piloted by expert staff.

Inclusive telepresence enriches the visit paths in the historical sites of Palazzo del Bo:

• guaranteeing access to culture for everyone;
• providing immediate access to "virtual" visitors from all over the world;
• enabling people with disabilities to benefit inclusively from the services offered;
• allowing access to places that are usually out of reach due to space or security reasons.

The price is 60€.

Days and visiting times

• Visits with robotic support are available on weekdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
• The robot-supported tour service is also targeted to class groups who want to take the guided tour using the school's interactive whiteboard, guests of nursing homes, or guests with disabilities or vulnerabilities in third-sector associations.

Tour Itinerary

The guided tour includes the Ancient Courtyard, the "Anatomical Kitchen", and the Anatomical Theatre.

If not occupied by events or institutional activities you can also visit: the Galileo Galilei Great Hall (Aula Magna Galileo Galilei), the Hall of Forty (la Sala dei Quaranta), the Hall of Medicine (la Sala di Medicina), and the Hall of Law (Sala di Giurisprudenza). 

The 'academic life' of the Palace makes it difficult to guarantee that every room can be visited daily.